Switz. Co. Student Competes at Poetry Out Loud State Competition

Bobbie Graves was one of 14 qualifiers statewide.

Bobbie Graves. Photo courtesy Indiana Humanities.

INDIANAPOLIS – Bobbie “River” Graves, a junior at Switzerland County High School, was one of 14 finalists that participated in the Poetry Out Loud state competition on March 2 in downtown Indianapolis.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students.

At the Indiana Historical Society, students recited works selected from an anthology of more than 1,200 poems. Judges evaluated student performances on criteria including voice and articulation, evidence of understanding, and accuracy.

"Watching these talented and driven students compete was an absolute joy to witness,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “Their passion for poetry and dedication to excellence is infectious and we’re grateful to our partners at the Indiana Arts Commission, Poetry Out Loud and the Poetry Foundation for the opportunity to celebrate them.”

Aalihya Banks (Pike) won first place at the state competition and advanced to the national Poetry Out Loud contest in Washington D.C. Kylah Hockemeyer (Eagle Tech Academy) was second.

The complete list of finalists for the state competition follows:

• Eliana Ortega, Jasper High School, Jasper
• Aalihya Banks, Pike High School, Indianapolis
• Kylah Hockemeyer, Eagle Tech Academy, Columbia City
• Winnie Dong, Bloomington High School South, Bloomington
• Eve-Marie Baxter, St. Thomas More Academy, South Bend
• Allison Whitaker, North Decatur Jr./Sr. High School, Greensburg
• Jehanna Fisher, Early College High School, Evansville
• Ava Madrazo, Herron High School, Indianapolis
• Dalanie Lamb, Indiana Digital Gateway Academy, Anderson
• Bobbie Graves, Switzerland County High School, Madison
• Christian Rhodes, Homestead High School, Fort Wayne
• Kaden Sullivan, Monroe Central Jr./Sr. High School, Farmland
• Ishita Kute, Columbus North High School, Columbus
• Elle Strother, West Washington High School, Campbellsburg

Bios for each student can be found on Indiana Humanities’ website.